I’ve mentioned several times that my husband and I have been in marriage mentoring…since February. It has been a wonderful time of growth and fellowship for us. To have another couple, who have experienced life in a similar way, walk beside us, guide/mentor us and draw us closer to the Father, while also growing a frienship has been amazing…almost indescribable.
As we have gone through this time with them, our discussions have grown into subjects that you have to build to…and as we draw near to the end, we are working on Finances. I had to take a big breath to do this one…. It’s a struggle for us. You, too? It seems as though so many are struggling today. Yet, our struggles in the US are nothing compared to so many throughout the world…those who are living in tent cities, drinking contaminated water, yet here we are….struggling in a way, they would love to!
It is so important how we, as parents teach our children to take care of the gifts granted us by the Father. Our Pastor likes to say: Give them what they Need…and not what they Want…. Hard words, but so true. Our children hear “NO” a lot. No to: going places that requires driving, much wanted gymnastics/skateboard lessons, violin/piano lessons. We have not been good stewards. We did the best we could with what we had in most situations…except one major one. Our home. When we purchased our home, we did so because we could buy it below it’s value (well below) and we desired the children to go to the school our home is slated for. At the time, I had a small job and it provided for a little extra. Since then, God has moved us to homeschool…and now, our home isn’t even worth what we paid for it (which was still a remarkably low price.)
So many times, we make plans…thinking we are making the RIGHT plan. Yet, it’s so important to remember, his plan is perfect. That our children need to hear no. Honestly, I can’t remember the last toy I purchased. It hurts at times to see the way they long over the new clothes/toys…but, I know, in my heart, we are working to give them something eternal. A focus on Christ and a knowledge now, that a want…is just that. A need…is something you can’t live without.
And we have fun romping through the trees behind our house, swinging on the rope, flying on the zip line, laughing with friends over a fire pit, reading a family story at night, and finding ways to serve others…..
For there is joy to be found in all times…we are choosing that joy
As He changes our hearts to the things unseen….we let go of more and realize,they are not ours to begin with…>I find myself holding tight to this verse and being so thankful for the Heavenly Father who gave it to all of us…as a reminder of true treasure…
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21
Are you struggling financially? Can Jennifer and I pray for you? Leave a comment or send one of us an email. Your words will remain confidential….we just want to lift you up. If you don’t want to do either, just know, you have an intercessor, one who hears you and speaks with the Father…He loves you…and so do we!
Join me and Jennifer Janes, as we share our Seeds for the week. Share your verse(s) with us through linking your blog or a comment. We have no rules….no need to use our button, etc…just share and encourage others….and if you need more inspiration: You can find it all of the time at Good Morning Girls, Women Living Well, A Holy Experience,(in)Courage, and iFellowship.
yup, and yup! I left a lucrative-waterfront community- Real Estate Career (after years of building it up) to stay at home and homeschool our 3 boys. we adopted #3 just about the time the market crashed (husband self employed) my health has also taken a beating- I have been fighting RA for 10 years now. #chronicpain, #fatigue – but, when I get stressed I have been able to look at the REALITY of what we really have compared to what we REALLY need. We have taken some serious hits – it isn’t easy to loose all retirement, savings. . . everything we worked for – but the house (thank you Jesus) but at the same time, I see my boys and they are healthy, happy, getting to know Jesus- we have clean water, food, a beautiful home (for now)
We don’t have a RIGHT to whine and complain if our lives are His anyway! I gave it all to Him a long time ago – so I don’t actually have any problems at all, but man. . . HE has a boatload! 
God has continued to be faithful and to provide for us. Time after time when it looks like there is NO Way- one at a time, the bills get paid – we may never fully financially recover from this- but in some ways, I’ve never been more free & happy! ya know? maybe I wouldn’t be walking AS close with my Daddy God if I had everything flowing smoothly . . . .
Kelli, staying home definitely has the eternal benefits/rewards. When I first quit my job to stay home..like you, I was paid quite well and thought we had a good blanket…but…as you know, the savings, retirement….is all gone. We moved to reduce cost of living and that was not the choice God had for us…so, we moved again and are back at the bottom…financially. Spiritually, we know we would not be where we are….if we had not taken this journey. Praying for you…and your RA…oh, I saw my Mom and now so many of my family members go through that and at times, I close my eyes and thank God…that I have not shown those symptoms and pray…that the pains I do experience due to other issues will go away. I love walking this path with you…sharing our lives and getting to know you. Thank you for being here…
I loved what you wrote. So many families are “struggling” today (including my own). sometimes we do need to remind ourselves (or be reminded) about what’s important. Thank you
They are all around us…and even some who look like everything is just peachy are hurting…..we all have pains…we all need love….and yes, I need reminders, too!!! Thank you!!!
Thank for your words today! Once again, they were just what I needed to read. My husband and I have been convicted lately about the need to better manage our finances, but it is a struggle at times. My flesh fights the sacrifices involved! Loved this part of your post, “For there is joy to be found in all times…we are choosing that joy” I think I need to paste it around my house today!
We’ll choose that JOY TOGETHER! In true fellowship!
See Kelly now I am leaving a comment after you for once, lol. Yet another great post. It has been 3 months now since I quit my decent paying job. I have been working since I was 16 and have never not had a job. It has been a tough few months. Between a job change, lengthy commute for my husband, move, car issues, no pay for two weeks, yadda, yadda. We have had borrow money from my ex-boss and a friend had to give us groceries. I hate asking people for help but there was no other choice. I have been so stressed which is rubbing off on the kids and making homeschooling difficult some days. I cannot wait until things get back to normal. What we are thankful for is that hubby finally has a better paying job with a much better company, we have a roof over our heads, food, water, electricity and internet (so I can talk with my wonderful friends). We are no longer moving to Savannah as planned and I figure it was all HIS plan because I have met so many wonderful supportive women in surrounding areas. If we would have moved we would have had to start all over making friends. God has also been providing for our homeschool as you know through giveaways and generous companies offering reviews. The kids have been able to participate in the activities they want because of an upward scholarship and generous people offering homeschoolers a Tae Kwon Do class for $10 a month at one location and FREE at another! I am very thankful to FINALLY be at home. I wish I was home since they were born (their behavior issue would probably be better if I was), but I am working through those issues with the help of some great authors and friends.
A quick back story: Our entire marriage of 11 yrs we have been struggling so we know we can get through anything, we always do somehow. Right after we got married I became ill and was ill for a year until I finally demanded the tests that showed what was wrong. I had a birth defect called malrotation. Basically my intestines are in the wrong spot and were herniated. During that time I could barely work, medical bills and credit cards were piling up (no other way to pay for necessities). Then there was the move from PA to GA that left us broke and hubby without a job for a few weeks. Thankfully we met a wonderful friend who fed us and really helped us survive our first 6 months in GA. Throughout the years we struggled with illness, no insurance and a few moves. Ben has diabetes and there is nothing worse than having a chronic illness and NO insurance. I gave birth to two kids who thank God had no complications. When I had Rowyn though I had no insurance but luckily was able to get medicaid to pay for it because I had no benefits at my job and was off 5 weeks without pay after the delivery. Right before Gwyn was born we decided to buy a house. Oh what a bad idea but we learned a valuable lesson and now that I have my real estate and appraisal license and Ben has home inspection training we will be more prepared when we decided its time to buy our second home. Two years ago we experienced something no one should ever have to experience. We left our house because it had mold in the walls. Both Rowyn and I were ill. I was sick for almost 2 years due to mold exposure and then due to antibiotic build up. I had to have sinus surgery and then detox my body. Rowyn luckily detoxed on his own and after being out of the house just 3 months his reflux issues cleared up and he started growing. They foreclosed on the house and because we would possibly end up owing the mortgage company we filed bankruptcy. And here we are today facing the struggles of being on one income. But……
Here is the verse I am living by – I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
-Philippians 4:13
Sweet Kathy, I so had you on my mind when I wrote this post. You inspire me….and lift me up. And I think…about how we both enjoyed my anniversary meal together…and I truly can’t tell you how much that night meant to me! You have an amazing testimony, a love for God and true desire to raise your children in HIS plan! We’ll walk this journey together, lift one another up…and I thank you for letting me help you….in the little ways I can, as you begin the next part of your journey! And yes, I am thankful you are not moving to Savannah!!!!!!
I am so thankful I met you too. Its funny because you inspire me and provide me with encouragement. I am so thankful that we are moving to Roswell we will only be about 30 min. away from you.
Yup. Josh left his job at a non-profit national radio show ministry a year ago – gave his notice one year ago this week right after Jacob was born and took a job at an IT company. The ministry couldn’t pay him enough and he was working crazy hours that were wearing on his health and our family. I had left my left my job to be home with the boys which had already cut out income in half – I made almost as much as Josh did and I carried our health insurance. It’s been tough and we’re thankful for family who helped us a little bit during the transition when things were even tighter. We’re just making it right now, but we also know that we’re both where God wants us to be. We’re also very thankful that we have no debt right now outside of our student loans and our house. We were very careful when we bought our home to not go beyond what we could reasonably afford on just Josh’s income although we’re still probably upside down on our mortgage.
I think everyone is upside down on mortgages right now (but don’t worry the market will turn around soon). Isn’t amazing how jobs can affect so much of our home life. The last two jobs Ben had were really rough on his health (diabetic), our marriage and our finances. He is loving his new job (he is now in an IT/customer support job) and is loving it, even though he is working long hrs still because of the commute time. And in a week and a half he won’t have the long commute anymore. Oh and insurance what a mess. I am still uninsured and have been for about a year. Actually most of my adult life I have been uninsured. But thankfully hubby is insured. I cannot wait to meet you Amanda : )
Thanks for the reminder on where our treasure should be! We are blessed to be living without debt (we do live in a parsonage so no house payment) but oftentimes I find myself a bit envious of other’s material possessions even though I know in the back of my mind that it’s far better to have eternal treasure! It is so important, as you said, to choose to have joy in Christ.
Wow. This really hits home. This is something we are struggling with as well. Just this week, we no longer have cable. You know something? Kids don’t miss it. It is me who misses it. Why? Because when I needed to get some things done, I could tell the kids to watch a tv show. No more will that be happening. Since it was cut on Monday, the kids have played more together than ever. I am really loving it. We are having to make some major decisions and some are hard, however, it is for the best. We are here to teach our children the love of God. That is our job. Thank you for this post. It definitely came at the right time. I just ask that you pray for my family and our finances. There are some things we are still behind on. Thank you so much and blessings to you!
Joy, We let go of cable a few months ago. I miss staying up to date on the news…but,I don’t find myself as anxious or caught up worrying anymore about what’s going on. I find updates every now and then…but, it’s been a good lesson! Change…takes…time…and transforming into his likeness…is amazingly hard and wonderful! Thank you for jumping over, reading…walking this path/journey with me!
Rebecca, this is a beautiful post. Thank you for the reminder to choose joy regardless of circumstances and to remember to keep eternity in mind when storing up treasure!